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UNIC Accra at 73rd UN Day Events in Ghana

Accra, 25 October 2018 – The United Nations Information Centre in Accra, with the support of colleagues from other UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, took part in a number of activities in observance of United Nations Day in Ghana. Much of the activities were targeted at the youth.

UNHCR’s Patience Folley addressing the GIS students

The journey began with two days of briefing sessions on the role of United Nations at the Ghana International School in Accra. These sessions were organized by the School on 11 and 12 October, ahead of their major UN and National Costume Day on 19 October. The briefing sessions were organised to offer students the basis for celebrating an organization that seeks to maintain world peace, promote economic and social development and protect human rights.

Cynthia Prah of UNIC and Praise Nutakor of UNDP address the students at GIS

During the first two sessions, UNIC Accra explained the work of the organs of the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN’s presence in Ghana to some 800 elementary students. UNHCR and UNESCO also took turns to brief these students on their specific mandates. On Day 2, UNIC Accra and UNDP took the lead to address over 500 Senior High Students.

GIS students dressed in Ghanaian costume on parade.

The actual event to mark UN Day at the Ghana International School took place on 19 October. Students were dressed in various costumes representing their country of origin to demonstrate diversity. There were beautiful performances in honour of the former UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan.

Students of Morning Star School

The next point of call on 23 October, was Morning Star School. Here UNIC Accra took over 400 Junior High School students through 17 SDGs. UNHCR and UNDP were also present to offer support and brief students on the importance of the works towards promoting global peace and development. The students mounted a very information exhibition on the SDGs.

Some UN staff during the walk

A UN Day health walk was held on 20 October under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Integration. Over 1000 people including Heads of UN Agencies, members of the diplomatic corps and the media took part in the walk. The objective was to raise some level of awareness of the UN Day while keeping fit.

The UN flag and the Ghana flag hoisted

On 24 October, UNIC Accra participated in a flag-raising ceremony, the climax of national events to mark the Day. The event, which took place in Accra, was attended by members of the security services, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and students.

Both the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Christine Evans-Klock and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey addressed the gathering. Ms Evans-Klock thanked Ghana for its leadership role in the United Nations and expressed gratitude to HE President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufu-Addo “for agreeing to continue to co-Chair the Secretary-General’s Group of Eminent Advocates for the SDGs for another two-year term.” A position which, according to Ms Evans-Klock, helps drive Ghana’s leadership across Africa.

Hon Botchwey [m] and other officials on the exhibition grounds

Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the ideals and principles of the United Nations.

An exhibition on the works of the United Nations as a global institution seeking peace, equity and sustainable development was mounted with the support of UNIC Accra.